Filmmaker Vince Gilligan has shared a candid reflection on his experiences with test screenings, revealing that they have profoundly shaped his approach to filmmaking. During a recent discussion hosted by Sony, Gilligan recounted a particularly challenging screening of his 2001 series, The Lone Gunmen, a spin-off of the acclaimed show The X-Files.
Gilligan described the moment he vowed to avoid test screenings in the future. “We had a spin-off show called The Lone Gunmen, which I was very proud of, and I still have a soft spot for it,” he said. The screening involved audience members using a device to indicate their reactions by turning a knob to the right for approval and to the left for disapproval. One memorable scene, where a character vomits into a golf bag, received overwhelmingly negative feedback, prompting Gilligan to declare, “I swore on the graves of my forefathers, I will never freaking do that again.”
The experience was compounded by an audience member’s remark directed at the two-way mirror behind which Gilligan was seated. “Well, it’s no Will and Grace,” the viewer said, which left a lasting impression on the showrunner. Despite its positive reviews, The Lone Gunmen was canceled after just thirteen episodes, a decision that further haunted Gilligan for years.
As he developed his next project, Breaking Bad, which premiered in 2008, Gilligan remained hesitant about test screenings. “When Breaking Bad came along, I said, ‘If you guys are going to test this, don’t tell me about it. I want the tree that fell in the forest. I don’t want to know anything about it,'” he recalled. Although the show was tested, Gilligan was not informed of the results, allowing him to focus on his creative vision without external pressure.
“I want the tree that fell in the forest. I don’t want to know anything about it.”
Ultimately, Breaking Bad became a monumental success, spanning five seasons, winning numerous awards, and establishing itself as one of the greatest television series of all time. The show’s acclaim has only heightened the anticipation surrounding Gilligan’s latest project, Pluribus.
Debuting on Apple TV, Pluribus has already garnered significant attention, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The sci-fi series, which features mind-bending narratives and innovative storytelling, is set to release new episodes weekly, drawing in a growing fanbase.
For those interested in exploring the latest offerings from Apple TV, Pluribus exemplifies Gilligan’s ability to create compelling content that resonates with audiences while continuing to evolve as a filmmaker. As Gilligan reflects on his past experiences with test screenings, it is evident that his journey has equipped him with valuable insights that continue to influence his work today.
